MC1084633 – (Updated) Configure End Users for Frontier features in Microsoft 365 (archived)

Product:

Copilot, Entra, Microsoft 365 admin center

Platform:

Android, iOS, Mac, mobile, Online, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Updated July 17, 2025: Frontier features in Microsoft 365 allow admins to configure early access to experimental AI features for end users. Mobile apps now show Frontier features to all users on Android Beta and iOS TestFlight. Admins should prepare by identifying users, configuring access via Microsoft Entra ID groups, and ensuring users have active Copilot licenses.

Details:
Updated July 17, 2025: We have updated the content below with additional information regarding mobile apps. Thank you for your patience.
Frontier offers the ability to get hands-on with the latest model innovation and provide feedback before experiences are made generally available. Microsoft 365 Admins can configure Frontier features for their end users within their own tenant. This post outlines how to configure access to Frontier features across platforms and what to expect.
Frontier feature admin control for mobile apps:
Frontier features will now be visible to all users using Android Beta or iOS TestFlight applications. Prior, admins could control which users on these applications would be able to see Frontier features.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability: We will roll out the capability in May 2025.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-05-29

updated:
2025-07-18

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Preperations

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Disruption
If users are not properly prepared or informed about the new Frontier features, they may experience confusion or frustration when encountering experimental AI features that are not fully functional or stable.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/introducing-frontier-features-in-microsoft-365/ba-p/1234567

Increased Support Requests
Without proper preparation and communication, the rollout of Frontier features may lead to an increase in support requests from users facing issues or not understanding the new functionalities, straining IT support resources.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, Help Desk Agents
   - references: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/01/10/the-impact-of-ai-on-it-support-and-help-desk-operations/

Licensing Issues
If users are not identified and added to the appropriate Microsoft Entra ID groups prior to the rollout, some users may find themselves unable to access the Frontier features due to licensing requirements, leading to dissatisfaction.
   - roles: End Users, IT Admins
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/07/17/understanding-microsoft-365-licensing-for-copilot-and-frontier-features/

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

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Potentional Risks**

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Data Protection**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

Imagine you're running a restaurant and you're considering introducing a new dish to the menu. Before you make it available to all customers, you might want to test it with a select group of regulars to get their feedback. This is similar to what Microsoft is doing with its Frontier features in Microsoft 365.

Frontier features are like that new dish. They are experimental AI features that Microsoft wants to test with a select group of users before making them widely available. As an admin, your role is like that of the restaurant manager deciding which regulars get to try the new dish. You identify which users might benefit from or be interested in these new features and give them early access.

To do this, you use Microsoft Entra ID groups, which are like VIP lists. You add users to these groups to grant them access to the Frontier features. It's important to note that users need to have an active Copilot license, which is like having a membership card to be eligible for the VIP list.

For mobile users, these features are available on Android Beta and iOS TestFlight apps, similar to offering the new dish only during a special event for certain guests. On desktops and web-based products, you have control through the Microsoft 365 Admin Center, where you can manage who gets to try these features.

Just like with a new dish, there's no guarantee that these features will become permanent. They are experimental and subject to change based on feedback. Participation is optional, so users can choose whether they want to be part of this early access program.

In summary, as an admin, you're in charge of selecting the right users to try out these new features, managing their access, and ensuring they have the necessary licenses. This process helps Microsoft gather valuable feedback to refine the features before a wider release, much like how a restaurant uses feedback to perfect a new dish before adding it to the menu permanently.